Folding screens, called byobu,
have been used by the Japanese for hundreds of years to create intimate spaces,
as room dividers, as well as add beauty to any room. Traditional byobu are
usually two or six panel screens which have a lacquered wood
edge. Both paper and silk were used as materials for the
artists to paint on. Many pieces exhibit a gold or silver
leaf background and create a luminous effect. Click on any
of the items below to see more detailed photographs and
descriptions.